EP3803304B1 - Torque sensor unit with pressed-in sensor unit - Google Patents

Torque sensor unit with pressed-in sensor unit Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3803304B1
EP3803304B1 EP19726989.7A EP19726989A EP3803304B1 EP 3803304 B1 EP3803304 B1 EP 3803304B1 EP 19726989 A EP19726989 A EP 19726989A EP 3803304 B1 EP3803304 B1 EP 3803304B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sensor unit
housing
torque sensor
torque
steering
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP19726989.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3803304A1 (en
Inventor
Peter Knoll
Andreas Münster
Peter Szabo
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ThyssenKrupp AG
ThyssenKrupp Presta AG
Original Assignee
ThyssenKrupp AG
ThyssenKrupp Presta AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ThyssenKrupp AG, ThyssenKrupp Presta AG filed Critical ThyssenKrupp AG
Publication of EP3803304A1 publication Critical patent/EP3803304A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3803304B1 publication Critical patent/EP3803304B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L3/00—Measuring torque, work, mechanical power, or mechanical efficiency, in general
    • G01L3/02—Rotary-transmission dynamometers
    • G01L3/04—Rotary-transmission dynamometers wherein the torque-transmitting element comprises a torsionally-flexible shaft
    • G01L3/10—Rotary-transmission dynamometers wherein the torque-transmitting element comprises a torsionally-flexible shaft involving electric or magnetic means for indicating
    • G01L3/101—Rotary-transmission dynamometers wherein the torque-transmitting element comprises a torsionally-flexible shaft involving electric or magnetic means for indicating involving magnetic or electromagnetic means
    • G01L3/104—Rotary-transmission dynamometers wherein the torque-transmitting element comprises a torsionally-flexible shaft involving electric or magnetic means for indicating involving magnetic or electromagnetic means involving permanent magnets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D3/00—Steering gears
    • B62D3/02—Steering gears mechanical
    • B62D3/12—Steering gears mechanical of rack-and-pinion type
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D5/00—Power-assisted or power-driven steering
    • B62D5/04—Power-assisted or power-driven steering electrical, e.g. using an electric servo-motor connected to, or forming part of, the steering gear
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L5/00—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes
    • G01L5/22—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring the force applied to control members, e.g. control members of vehicles, triggers
    • G01L5/221—Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring the force applied to control members, e.g. control members of vehicles, triggers to steering wheels, e.g. for power assisted steering

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a torque sensor unit with the features of the preamble of claim 1, in particular for an electromechanical power steering system of a motor vehicle, and a method for installing a torque sensor unit for an electromechanical power steering system.
  • Torque sensors conventionally have a rotation angle sensor.
  • two shaft parts that can be twisted to a limited extent in relation to one another are elastically coupled to one another via a torsion spring.
  • the relative angle of rotation is essentially proportional to the torque introduced.
  • EP 1 783 034 A2 discloses detecting the relative angle of rotation in a steering system with coding elements using optical, magnetic, capacitive and/or inductive principles. It is possible to determine a torque present at the steering wheel and the steering shaft from the detected angular offset between the coding elements.
  • a ring magnet is arranged on the upper steering shaft, while a holder with a magnetic stator is attached to the lower steering shaft, which is opposite the permanent magnet in the radial direction via a small air gap.
  • the magnetic flux of the magnet is conducted via the stator, which usually consists of two separate stator parts, to a first and a second flux conductor, which then emit the magnetic flux to a magnetic sensor, for example a Hall sensor.
  • the disclosure document DE 10 2004 055 124 A1 discloses a torque sensor, wherein the sensor is connected to the holder via a screw connection connected is.
  • This solution proves to be disadvantageous in that a large number of individual parts is necessary due to the screwing together of the components. Furthermore, the manufacturing process is complicated because screws require processing such as tapping and screw tightening.
  • a torque sensor is also known that includes a torsion bar connected at opposite ends thereof to a first shaft and a second shaft. Further, the torque sensor includes a multi-pole magnet fixed to the first shaft and a multi-pole yoke fixed to the second shaft as a magnetic flux conductor. The magnetic flux is collected from the multi-pole yoke with a magnetic flux collector, and a magnetic sensor of the torque sensor detects the magnetic field strength.
  • the magnetic flux collector and the magnetic sensor are each cast as one part, with the magnetic flux collector comprising a receptacle with latching hooks in order to be able to receive the sensor in a form-fitting manner.
  • the torque sensor is thus firmly connected to the sensor unit without a screw connection, which significantly simplifies the manufacturing process.
  • pressing the first housing and thus the sensor unit into the second housing provides a connection which is formed exclusively by frictional locking.
  • the sensor unit preferably comprises a magnetic flux conductor and a magnetic sensor arranged on a printed circuit board. Those are preferred Magnetic flux conductor aligned to each other that the magnetic field sensor is arranged centrally to the ring magnet.
  • the housing opening has a first profiling on at least two side surfaces, the at least two side surfaces advantageously lying opposite one another and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the partial shafts. It is preferred if the first housing of the sensor unit has a second profile arranged on the at least two side surfaces of the housing opening that correspond to the outer surfaces.
  • the first and second profiling are wavy or formed as a toothing.
  • One profile preferably extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft.
  • the grooves are oriented approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis as transverse corrugations.
  • the other profile to be brought into engagement with it is also designed as a wave-shaped profile, the grooves of which, however, extend in the longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis as longitudinal corrugations.
  • the first and second profiling can be designed as parallel cross-toothing.
  • the first profile can be arranged at an angle of 45° relative to the longitudinal axis, while the other toothing is arranged at an angle of 135° relative to the longitudinal axis.
  • variable toothing is provided as the first and second profiling, ie which has a variable toothing geometry along the profiling.
  • the profiles can also be formed as knurling.
  • the first and second profiles are preferably arranged rotated relative to one another by an angle of approximately 90°.
  • the profiles preferably have grooves arranged in parallel.
  • a secondary safety device is provided, which prevents the sensor unit from being able to migrate out in the opposite joining direction.
  • this Material into which one of the two profiles was introduced has a higher toughness than the material into which the other of the two profiles was introduced. It is conceivable and possible to arrange an elastic damper between the profiles in order to prevent possible wear and to minimize noise during operation.
  • adhesive, a coating or kits can be applied between the profiles.
  • the first housing of the sensor unit has a T-shaped area with a neck and a web arranged perpendicular thereto.
  • the vertical or transverse web is preferably designed in the form of a plate.
  • the web, in the pressed-in state lies in contact with an outside of the second housing of the torque sensor unit and limits the press-in depth.
  • the neck of the first housing of the sensor unit preferably widens towards the web, with the second profile being applied to the at least two side surfaces of the housing opening in the widened area. In the pressed-in state, the profiles preferably engage in one another to form the non-positive connection.
  • an electromechanical steering system for a motor vehicle having a steering pinion connected to a first partial shaft, which engages with a toothed rack for steering wheels, which is mounted displaceably in a third housing along a longitudinal axis, at least one electric motor for power steering, a torque sensor unit as described above , which is arranged between a second partial shaft connected to the steering wheel and the first partial shaft and detects a torque introduced by the driver into the steering wheel.
  • the positioning and pressing-in is preferably carried out by a robot with a gripper arm, which grips the sensor unit and then carries out the corresponding method steps.
  • the robot is preferably designed to be sensitive.
  • the gripping arm preferably grips the sensor unit with a maximum permissible force and presses it into the housing opening with a predefined force.
  • the center position between the magnetic flux guide along the longitudinal axis is taken by detecting the limit positions and calculating a predefined distance.
  • the sensor unit comprises a magnetic flux conductor and a a printed circuit board arranged magnetic sensor.
  • the housing opening has a first profiling on at least two side surfaces, the at least two side surfaces advantageously lying opposite one another and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the partial shafts. It is preferred if the first housing of the sensor unit has a second profile arranged on the at least two side surfaces of the housing opening that correspond to the outer surfaces.
  • first and second profiles are preferably arranged rotated relative to one another by an angle of approximately 90°.
  • the profiles have grooves arranged in parallel.
  • the profiles are pushed together to form the non-positive connection. It is advantageous if the material into which one of the two profiles was introduced has a higher toughness than the material into which the other of the two profiles was introduced.
  • the first housing of the sensor unit has a T-shaped area with a neck and a web arranged perpendicular thereto.
  • the web in the pressed-in state, lies in contact with an outside of the second housing of the torque sensor unit and limits the press-in depth.
  • the neck of the first housing of the sensor unit preferably widens towards the web, with the first profiling being applied to the at least two side surfaces of the housing opening in the widened area.
  • the torque sensor arrangement is preferably attached to a steering shaft in a motor vehicle and fastened to two axially opposite sub-shafts of the steering shaft and detects a change in the rotational angle between the sub-shafts.
  • FIG 1 is an electromechanical motor vehicle power steering 1 with a steering wheel 2, which is rotatably coupled to a steering shaft 3, shown schematically.
  • the driver uses the steering wheel 2 to apply a corresponding torque as a steering command to the steering shaft 3 .
  • the Torque is then transmitted to a steering pinion 4 via the steering shaft 3 .
  • the pinion 4 meshes in a known manner with a toothed segment 50 of a rack 5.
  • the steering pinion 4 together with the rack 5 forms a steering gear.
  • the toothed rack 5 is mounted in a third steering housing so that it can be displaced in the direction of its longitudinal axis. At its free end, the rack 5 is connected to tie rods 6 via ball joints, not shown.
  • the tie rods 6 themselves are connected in a known manner via steering knuckles to one steered wheel 7 of the motor vehicle.
  • a rotation of the steering wheel 2 leads via the connection of the steering shaft 3 and the pinion 4 to a longitudinal displacement of the rack 5 and thus to a pivoting of the steered wheels 7.
  • the steered wheels 7 experience a reaction via a roadway 70, which counteracts the steering movement. Consequently, a force is required to swivel the wheels 7, which makes a corresponding torque on the steering wheel 2 necessary.
  • An electric motor 8, 18 with a rotor position sensor (RPS) of a servo unit 9 is provided to assist the driver in this steering movement.
  • RPS rotor position sensor
  • the servo unit 9 can be coupled as an auxiliary power assistance device 9, 10, 11 either with a steering shaft 3, the steering pinion 4 or the rack 5.
  • the respective power assistance 9,10,11 carries an auxiliary power torque into the steering shaft 3, the steering pinion 4 and/or into the rack 5, whereby the driver is supported in the steering work.
  • the three different in figure 1 power assistance shown 9,10,11 show alternative positions for their arrangement. Usually, only one of the positions shown is occupied by an auxiliary power support.
  • the servo unit can be arranged as a superimposed steering on the steering column or as a power assistance device on the pinion 4 or the rack 5.
  • figure 2 12 shows a torque sensor unit 12 which is part of an integral structural unit 13 which includes a steering angle sensor unit 14 .
  • the torque sensor unit 12 detects the twisting of the upper steering shaft 30 relative to the lower steering shaft 31 as a measure of the torque exerted manually on the upper steering shaft 30 .
  • the steering angle sensor unit 14 measures the current steering angle of the lower steering shaft 31.
  • the upper steering shaft 30 and the lower steering shaft 31 are torsionally flexible via an in figure 4 shown, torsion bar 32 coupled together.
  • the torsion between the upper steering shaft 30 and the lower steering shaft 31 can be determined via a rotation angle sensor.
  • This angle of rotation sensor is also referred to as a torque sensor.
  • the torque sensor unit 12 has a ring magnet (permanent magnet) 15 connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the upper steering shaft 30 and a magnetic flux conductor 16 .
  • An associated sensor unit 17 is fixed in space to the unit of the electric motor 18 .
  • the servo unit 9 provides steering support for the driver.
  • the electric motor or a servomotor 18 is coupled to a worm shaft, not shown, via a motor shaft.
  • the worm shaft is in engagement with its worm with a worm wheel 180 that is non-rotatably connected to a pinion or, as shown here, to the lower steering shaft 31 .
  • the electric motor 18 Upon operation of the electric motor 18 the worm shaft is driven and the worm wheel 180 rotates accordingly to provide rotational assistance to the lower steering shaft 31 .
  • the sensor unit 17 has a first housing 19 and a magnetic flux conductor 20 arranged therein and a magnetic sensor 171 arranged on a printed circuit board 170, as in FIG figure 4 shown.
  • the flux conductors 16,20 are used to concentrate the magnetic flux on the magnetic sensor.
  • the magnetic sensor 171 detects the rotation of the upper steering shaft 30, which is connected to the magnetic ring 15, in relation to the lower steering shaft 31, which is connected to the magnetic flux conductor 16.
  • the first housing 19 of the sensor unit 17 has a first area 190, in which the flux conductor 20, the printed circuit board 170 and the magnetic sensor 171 are housed.
  • This first area 190 of the first housing 19 is closed by a housing cover, not shown, in the assembled state.
  • the first housing 19 is T-shaped. This points to the formation of the T-shape
  • the first housing 19 has a neck 192 which, when the sensor is installed, extends in the radial direction of the longitudinal axis 200 of the steering shaft 3 and to which a transverse web 193 is connected.
  • the neck 192 widens in the direction of the web 193, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 200.
  • the neck 192 has a step 194 on both sides.
  • the transverse web 193 is plate-shaped.
  • the projection 195 On its upper side facing away from the neck, it has a projection 195 in the form of an edge, which surrounds contact elements (not shown) arranged on the web 193 .
  • the projection 195 forms a plug-in element, into which a plug is inserted when the sensor is installed, in order to connect the sensor to a data line and to a power supply.
  • the first housing 19 of the sensor unit 17 is inserted into a second housing 21 of the torque sensor unit 12 during assembly by means of a robot.
  • the second housing 21 of the torque sensor unit encloses the ring magnet 15, the flux conductor 16 and the sensor unit 17 in the installed state.
  • the second housing 21 is covered by a housing cover, not shown.
  • the second housing 21 has a housing opening 212 open on one side in the edge 211, into which the sensor unit 17 is inserted. To position the sensor unit 17 in the housing opening 212, the housing opening has a wavy profile 22 in the form of parallel grooves (ribbing) on the side surfaces 23, which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 200 of the steering shaft.
  • the grooves are oriented approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 200 (transverse corrugation).
  • a wavy profile 25 is also provided above the shoulders 194 on the sides 24 of the housing neck 192 of the sensor unit 17 to be brought into engagement therewith, the grooves of which, however, extend in the longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (longitudinal corrugation).
  • the two profiles 22,25 are thus preferably arranged rotated relative to one another by an angle of approximately 90°.
  • the sensor unit 17 is pressed into the housing opening 212 .
  • the material has a profiled pair of sides 23,24 has a higher toughness than the material of the other pair of sides 23,24.
  • the corrugation of the pair of sides which is made of a material with higher toughness, is then pressed in a non-positive manner into the overlapping corrugation of the other pair of sides.
  • the underside of the web 193 of the first housing 19 of the sensor unit 17 rests on the outside of the edge 211 of the second housing 21 of the torque sensor.
  • the neck 192 of the first housing 19 of the sensor unit 17 passes through the housing opening 212.
  • the sensor unit 17 is aligned with a press axis by a sensitive robot 27 and positioned in the second housing 21 of the torque sensor.
  • a first assembly step ( figure 4 ) the sensor unit 17 is aligned at a predefined distance from the steering shaft 3 and introduced along the longitudinal axis 200 into the housing opening 212 of the second housing 21 of the torque sensor.
  • the arrows indicate the direction of movement.
  • Sensor unit 17 penetrates housing opening 212 with its neck 192 below shoulder 194. Below shoulder 194, neck 192 has a smaller diameter than housing opening 212, so that sensor unit 17 does not penetrate second housing 21 of the torque sensor in this first step touched.
  • the sensor unit 17 is pressed against the second housing 21 of the torque sensor with a predefined force, so that the sensor unit 17 on the neck 192 in the region of the step 194 is in contact with the edge 211 of the second housing 21 of the torque sensor 12 comes.
  • the first housing 19 of the sensor unit 17 is designed in such a way that the magnetic flux conductor 20 of the sensor unit 17 engages between the magnetic flux conductor 16 connected to the lower steering shaft 31 .
  • the magnetic flux conductor 20 of the sensor unit 17 is H-shaped in profile along the longitudinal axis 200, with the two transverse elements between the rings of the profile along the longitudinal axis Magnetic flux conductor 16 designed in a U-shape. This state is e.g. in figure 6 shown.
  • the sensor unit 17 in a further assembly step, the sensor unit 17, as in the Figures 6 and 7 shown in a longitudinal section, displaced along the longitudinal axis 200 in such a way that the sensor unit 17 is arranged centrally to the magnetic flux conductor 16 connected to the lower steering shaft 31 .
  • the sensor unit 17 is first in the two, in the Figures 6 and 7 end positions shown, in each of which one of the outer sides of the magnetic flux conductor 20 of the sensor unit is brought into contact with the inner side of the magnetic flux conductor 16 connected to the lower steering shaft 31 and then a middle position determined on the basis of the limit positions is assumed.
  • the sensor unit 17 is then pressed into the housing opening 212 until the underside of the web 193 comes into contact with the outside of the edge 211 of the second housing 21 of the torque sensor.
  • This assembly state is in the Figures 8 and 9 shown.
  • the magnetic flux conductors 16, 20 are aligned with one another in such a way that the magnetic field sensor 26 is arranged in the center of the ring magnet 15.
  • the magnetic flux conductors 16, 20 clearly overlap in the radial direction when pressed in, so that the sensor unit 17 can detect the movement of the ring magnet 15 relative to the magnetic flux conductor 16.
  • FIGS Figures 12 to 16 The assembly of the torque sensor unit 12 using a robot 27 as described above is shown in FIGS Figures 12 to 16 shown.
  • the robot 27 has a multi-axis manipulator, which can be designed, for example, in the form of a multi-axis articulated arm rotor. The movement of the individual axes of the manipulator can take place through targeted control of drives which are connected to the individual components of the manipulator.
  • the robot is preferably sensitive and has at least one integrated sensor device that is set up to measure forces and displacements.
  • the multi-axis manipulator has a pressing axis 28.
  • the robot 27 has a gripper arm 29 which can be pivoted about a first pivot axis. As in figure 12 is shown, the gripping arm 29 grips the sensor unit 17 and positions it in the housing opening of the second housing 21 of the torque sensor unit with a maximum permissible force F lim ( figure 13 ).
  • the center position between the not shown magnetic flux guide along the longitudinal axis is taken by detecting the limit positions and calculating a predefined distance x set ( figure 14 ).
  • the use of the robot allows the joining process to be fully automated, which means that it can be carried out particularly cost-effectively.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Power Steering Mechanism (AREA)

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Drehmomentsensoreinheit mit den Merkmalen des Oberbegriffs des Anspruchs 1, insbesondere für eine elektromechanische Hilfskraftlenkung eines Kraftfahrzeuges, und ein Verfahren zur Montage einer Drehmomentsensoreinheit für eine elektromechanische Hilfskraftlenkung.The present invention relates to a torque sensor unit with the features of the preamble of claim 1, in particular for an electromechanical power steering system of a motor vehicle, and a method for installing a torque sensor unit for an electromechanical power steering system.

Drehmomentsensoren weisen herkömmlicherweise einen Drehwinkelsensor auf. Hierbei werden zwei gegeneinander begrenzt verdrehbare Wellenteile über eine Torsionsfeder elastisch miteinander gekoppelt. Wenn ein Wellenteil durch ein vom Fahrer des Fahrzeugs aufgewendetes Drehmoment gegen den anderen Wellenteil verdreht wird, ist der relative Drehwinkel im Wesentlichen proportional zum eingeleiteten Drehmoment. Für eine genaue Bestimmung des Drehmoments ist es wichtig, den Drehwinkel präzise messen zu können.Torque sensors conventionally have a rotation angle sensor. Here, two shaft parts that can be twisted to a limited extent in relation to one another are elastically coupled to one another via a torsion spring. When one shaft part is rotated against the other shaft part by a torque applied by the driver of the vehicle, the relative angle of rotation is essentially proportional to the torque introduced. For an accurate determination of the torque, it is important to be able to precisely measure the angle of rotation.

In der Druckschrift EP 1 783 034 A2 wird offenbart, den relativen Drehwinkel bei einem Lenksystem mit Kodierelementen durch optische, magnetische, kapazitive und/oder induktive Prinzipien zu erfassen. Aus dem erfassten Winkelversatz zwischen den Kodierelementen ist es möglich, ein an dem Lenkrad und der Lenkwelle anliegendes Drehmoment zu bestimmen.In the pamphlet EP 1 783 034 A2 discloses detecting the relative angle of rotation in a steering system with coding elements using optical, magnetic, capacitive and/or inductive principles. It is possible to determine a torque present at the steering wheel and the steering shaft from the detected angular offset between the coding elements.

Ein weiterer Drehmomentsensor ist beispielsweise aus der Offenlegungsschrift DE 10 2007 043 502 A1 bekannt. An der oberen Lenkwelle ist dabei ein Ringmagnet angeordnet, während auf der unteren Lenkwelle ein Halter mit einem magnetischen Stator angebracht ist, welcher dem Dauermagneten in radialer Richtung über einen kleinen Luftspalt gegenüberliegt. Über den Stator, welcher üblicherweise aus zwei separaten Statorteilen besteht, wird der magnetische Fluss des Magneten hin zu einem ersten und einem zweiten Flussleiter geleitet, welche dann den magnetischen Fluss an einen Magnetsensor - beispielsweise einen Hall-Sensor - abgeben.Another torque sensor is, for example, from the published application DE 10 2007 043 502 A1 known. A ring magnet is arranged on the upper steering shaft, while a holder with a magnetic stator is attached to the lower steering shaft, which is opposite the permanent magnet in the radial direction via a small air gap. The magnetic flux of the magnet is conducted via the stator, which usually consists of two separate stator parts, to a first and a second flux conductor, which then emit the magnetic flux to a magnetic sensor, for example a Hall sensor.

Die Offenlegungsschrift DE 10 2004 055 124 A1 offenbart einen Drehmomentsensor, wobei der Sensor mit dem Halter über eine Schraubverbindung verbunden ist. Als nachteilig erweist sich diese Lösung dahingehend, dass durch das Verschrauben der Komponenten eine große Anzahl an Einzelteilen notwendig ist. Des Weiteren wird das Herstellungsverfahren verkompliziert, da Schrauben Bearbeitungsgänge, wie Gewindebohren, und das Anziehen der Schrauben benötigen.The disclosure document DE 10 2004 055 124 A1 discloses a torque sensor, wherein the sensor is connected to the holder via a screw connection connected is. This solution proves to be disadvantageous in that a large number of individual parts is necessary due to the screwing together of the components. Furthermore, the manufacturing process is complicated because screws require processing such as tapping and screw tightening.

Aus der Druckschrift US 2003/0167857 A1 ist zudem ein Drehmomentsensor bekannt, der einen Torsionsstab umfasst, der an seinen gegenüberliegenden Enden mit einer ersten Welle und einer zweiten Welle verbunden ist. Weiter umfasst der Drehmomentsensor einen mehrpoligen Magneten, der an der ersten Welle befestigt ist, und ein mehrpoliges Joch, das als Magnetflussleiter an der zweiten Welle befestigt ist. Mit einem Magnetflusskollektor wird der magnetische Fluss von dem mehrpoligen Joch gesammelt, wobei ein magnetischer Sensor des Drehmomentsensors die magnetische Feldstärke erfasst. Der Magnetflusskollektor und der magnetische Sensor sind dabei jeweils als ein Teil gegossen, wobei der Magnetflusskollektor eine Aufnahme mit Rasthaken umfasst, um den Sensor formschlüssig aufnehmen zu können.From the pamphlet US 2003/0167857 A1 a torque sensor is also known that includes a torsion bar connected at opposite ends thereof to a first shaft and a second shaft. Further, the torque sensor includes a multi-pole magnet fixed to the first shaft and a multi-pole yoke fixed to the second shaft as a magnetic flux conductor. The magnetic flux is collected from the multi-pole yoke with a magnetic flux collector, and a magnetic sensor of the torque sensor detects the magnetic field strength. The magnetic flux collector and the magnetic sensor are each cast as one part, with the magnetic flux collector comprising a receptacle with latching hooks in order to be able to receive the sensor in a form-fitting manner.

Es ist eine Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, einen gattungs-gemäßen Drehmomentsensor vorzuschlagen, der einfacher zu fertigen ist. Außerdem ist es Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, ein besonders einfaches Verfahren zur Herstellung eines von einem Gehäuse umgebenen Drehmomentsensors zu schaffen.It is an object of the present invention to propose a generic torque sensor that is easier to manufacture. In addition, it is the object of the present invention to provide a particularly simple method for producing a torque sensor surrounded by a housing.

Diese Aufgabe wird von einer Drehmomentsensoreinheit mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 und von einem Verfahren mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 13 gelöst. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen ergeben sich aus den Unteransprüchen.This object is achieved by a torque sensor unit having the features of claim 1 and by a method having the features of claim 13. Advantageous developments result from the dependent claims.

Demnach ist eine Drehmomentsensoreinheit umfassend:

  • einen drehfest mit einer ersten Teilwelle verbindbaren Ringmagneten und einen mit einer zweiten Teilwelle verbindbaren Magnetflussleiter,
  • eine Sensoreinheit mit einem ersten Gehäuse, die eine Drehwinkeländerung zwischen den Teilwellen detektiert,
  • ein zweites Gehäuse, dass den Ringmagneten und den Magnetflussleiter umgibt, und das mit dem ersten Gehäuse der Sensoreinheit fest verbunden ist, vorgesehen, wobei das zweite Gehäuse der Drehmomentsensoreinheit eine Gehäuseöffnung aufweist, in die das erste Gehäuse der Sensoreinheit zur Ausbildung einer kraftschlüssigen Verbindung eingepresst ist, wobei die Gehäuseöffnung eine erste Profilierung an wenigstens zwei Seitenflächen aufweist.
Accordingly, a torque sensor unit is comprised of:
  • a ring magnet that can be connected in a torque-proof manner to a first partial shaft and a magnetic flux conductor that can be connected to a second partial shaft,
  • a sensor unit with a first housing that detects a change in the angle of rotation between the partial shafts,
  • a second housing that surrounds the ring magnet and the magnetic flux conductor and is firmly connected to the first housing of the sensor unit is provided, the second housing of the torque sensor unit having a housing opening into which the first housing of the sensor unit is pressed to form a non-positive connection , wherein the housing opening has a first profile on at least two side surfaces.

Der Drehmomentsensor wird somit ohne Schraubverbindung mit der Sensoreinheit fest verbunden werden, was den Herstellungsprozess deutlich vereinfacht.The torque sensor is thus firmly connected to the sensor unit without a screw connection, which significantly simplifies the manufacturing process.

Besonders bevorzugt wird durch das Einpressen des ersten Gehäuses und damit der Sensoreinheit in das zweite Gehäuse eine Verbindung, welche ausschließlich durch Kraftschluss gebildet wird, bereitgestellt.Particularly preferably, pressing the first housing and thus the sensor unit into the second housing provides a connection which is formed exclusively by frictional locking.

Weiterhin ist es denkbar und möglich, dass eine zusätzliche stoffschlüssige Verbindung unter Verwendung eines Klebstoffs oder Kits zur Abdichtung vorgesehen ist.Furthermore, it is conceivable and possible that an additional material connection is provided using an adhesive or kit for sealing.

Vorzugsweise umfasst die Sensoreinheit einen Magnetflussleiter und einen auf einer Leiterplatte angeordneten Magnetsensor. Bevorzugt sind die Magnetflussleiter so zueinander ausgerichtet, dass der Magnetfeldsensor mittig zu dem Ringmagneten angeordnet ist.The sensor unit preferably comprises a magnetic flux conductor and a magnetic sensor arranged on a printed circuit board. Those are preferred Magnetic flux conductor aligned to each other that the magnetic field sensor is arranged centrally to the ring magnet.

Gemäß der beanspruchten Erfindung weist die Gehäuseöffnung eine erste Profilierung an wenigstens zwei Seitenflächen auf, wobei die wenigstens zwei Seitenflächen sich vorteilhafterweise gegenüber liegen und sich parallel zur Längsachse der Teilwellen erstrecken. Dabei ist es bevorzugt, wenn das erste Gehäuse der Sensoreinheit eine auf den wenigstens zwei Seitenflächen der Gehäuseöffnung korrespondierenden Außenflächen angeordnete zweite Profilierung aufweist. Bevorzugt sind die erste und zweite Profilierung wellenförmig oder als eine Verzahnung ausgebildet. Die eine Profilierung erstreckt sich dabei bevorzugt parallel zur Längsachse der Lenkwelle. Die Rillen sind dabei in etwa senkrecht zur Längsachse als Querriffelung orientiert. Als Gegenstück ist auf den in Eingriff damit zubringende andere Profilierung ebenfalls als eine wellenförmige Profilierung ausgebildet, deren Rillen sich allerdings in Längsrichtung parallel zur Längsachse als Längsriffelung erstrecken. Es ist weiterhin denkbar und möglich, dass die erste und zweite Profilierung als parallele Querverzahnung ausgebildet sind. Die erste Profilierung kann in einem Winkel von 45° dabei bezogen auf die Längsachse angeordnet sein, während die andere Verzahnung in einem Winkel von 135° bezogen auf die Längsachse angeordnet ist. Weiterhin ist es denkbar und möglich, dass eine variable Verzahnung als erste und zweite Profilierung vorgesehen ist, also welche eine veränderbare Verzahnungsgeometrie entlang der Profilierung aufweist. Ebenfalls können die Profilierungen als Rändelung ausgebildet werden.According to the claimed invention, the housing opening has a first profiling on at least two side surfaces, the at least two side surfaces advantageously lying opposite one another and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the partial shafts. It is preferred if the first housing of the sensor unit has a second profile arranged on the at least two side surfaces of the housing opening that correspond to the outer surfaces. Preferably, the first and second profiling are wavy or formed as a toothing. One profile preferably extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the steering shaft. The grooves are oriented approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis as transverse corrugations. As a counterpart, the other profile to be brought into engagement with it is also designed as a wave-shaped profile, the grooves of which, however, extend in the longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis as longitudinal corrugations. It is also conceivable and possible for the first and second profiling to be designed as parallel cross-toothing. The first profile can be arranged at an angle of 45° relative to the longitudinal axis, while the other toothing is arranged at an angle of 135° relative to the longitudinal axis. Furthermore, it is conceivable and possible that variable toothing is provided as the first and second profiling, ie which has a variable toothing geometry along the profiling. The profiles can also be formed as knurling.

In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform sind die erste und zweite Profilierung bevorzugt um einen Winkel von etwa 90° gegeneinander verdreht angeordnet. Vorzugsweise weisen die Profilierungen parallel angeordnete Rillen auf. Weiterhin ist es denkbar und möglich, dass eine Sekundärsicherung vorgesehen ist, welche verhindert, dass die Sensoreinheit in entgegengesetzte Fügerichtung herauswandern kann.In a preferred embodiment, the first and second profiles are preferably arranged rotated relative to one another by an angle of approximately 90°. The profiles preferably have grooves arranged in parallel. Furthermore, it is conceivable and possible that a secondary safety device is provided, which prevents the sensor unit from being able to migrate out in the opposite joining direction.

Bei dem Fügevorgang werden die Profilierungen aneinander geschoben, zur Ausbildung der kraftschlüssigen Verbindung. Dabei ist es vorteilhaft, wenn das Material, in das eine der beiden Profilierungen eingebracht wurde, eine höhere Zähigkeit aufweist, als das Material, in das die andere der beiden Profilierungen eingebracht wurde. Es ist denkbar und möglich zwischen den Profilierungen einen elastischen Dämpfer anzuordnen, um einen möglichen Verschleiß zu verhindern und Geräusche im Betrieb zu minimieren. Zum Abdichten der Profilierungen kann zwischen den Profilierungen Klebstoff, eine Beschichtung oder Kits angebracht werden.During the joining process, the profiles are pushed together to form the non-positive connection. It is advantageous if this Material into which one of the two profiles was introduced has a higher toughness than the material into which the other of the two profiles was introduced. It is conceivable and possible to arrange an elastic damper between the profiles in order to prevent possible wear and to minimize noise during operation. To seal the profiles, adhesive, a coating or kits can be applied between the profiles.

In einer Ausführungsform weist das erste Gehäuse der Sensoreinheit einen T-förmigen Bereich mit einem Hals und einem dazu senkrecht angeordneten Steg auf. Bevorzugt ist der senkrechte oder querliegende Steg plattenförmig ausgebildet. Dabei ist es bevorzugt, wenn der Steg im eingepressten Zustand in Anlage mit einer Außenseite des zweiten Gehäuses der Drehmomentsensoreinheit liegt und die Einpresstiefe begrenzt. Der Hals des ersten Gehäuses der Sensoreinheit erweitert sich bevorzugt zum Steg hin, wobei in dem erweiterten Bereich die zweite Profilierung auf den wenigstens zwei Seitenflächen der Gehäuseöffnung aufgebracht ist. Bevorzugt greifen im eingepressten Zustand die Profilierungen zur Ausbildung der kraftschlüssigen Verbindung ineinander.In one embodiment, the first housing of the sensor unit has a T-shaped area with a neck and a web arranged perpendicular thereto. The vertical or transverse web is preferably designed in the form of a plate. In this case, it is preferred if the web, in the pressed-in state, lies in contact with an outside of the second housing of the torque sensor unit and limits the press-in depth. The neck of the first housing of the sensor unit preferably widens towards the web, with the second profile being applied to the at least two side surfaces of the housing opening in the widened area. In the pressed-in state, the profiles preferably engage in one another to form the non-positive connection.

Weiterhin ist ein elektromechanisches Lenksystem für ein Kraftfahrzeug vorgesehen, aufweisend ein mit einer ersten Teilwelle verbundenes Lenkritzel, welches mit einer in einem dritten Gehäuse entlang einer Längsachse verschieblich gelagerten Zahnstange zur Lenkung von Rädern in Eingriff steht, wenigstens einen Elektromotor zur Lenkkraftunterstützung, eine zuvor beschriebene Drehmomentsensoreinheit, die zwischen einer mit dem Lenkrad verbundenen zweiten Teilwelle und der ersten Teilwelle angeordnet ist und ein vom Fahrer in das Lenkrad eingebrachtes Drehmoment erfasst.Furthermore, an electromechanical steering system for a motor vehicle is provided, having a steering pinion connected to a first partial shaft, which engages with a toothed rack for steering wheels, which is mounted displaceably in a third housing along a longitudinal axis, at least one electric motor for power steering, a torque sensor unit as described above , which is arranged between a second partial shaft connected to the steering wheel and the first partial shaft and detects a torque introduced by the driver into the steering wheel.

Zudem ist ein Verfahren zur Montage einer Drehmomentsensoreinheit für eine elektromechanische Hilfskraftlenkung gemäß Anspruch 13 vorgesehen.In addition, a method for assembling a torque sensor unit for an electromechanical power steering system according to claim 13 is provided.

Diese Art der Verbindung lässt sich sehr einfach und automatisiert herstellen. Vorzugsweise umfasst das Positionieren folgende Schritte:

  • Einbringen der Sensoreinheit in die Gehäuseöffnung,
  • Absenken der Sensoreinheit in der Gehäuseöffnung bis die Sensoreinheit an der Gehäuseöffnung anliegt und in den Magnetflussleiter greift,
  • Verfahren der Sensoreinheit in der Gehäuseöffnung zwischen zwei durch den Magnetflussleiter gebildeten Begrenzungen zur Bestimmung einer Mittenposition,
  • Verfahren der Sensoreinheit in der Gehäuseöffnung zur Mittenposition.
This type of connection can be established very easily and automatically. The positioning preferably comprises the following steps:
  • Insertion of the sensor unit into the housing opening,
  • Lowering the sensor unit in the housing opening until the sensor unit rests against the housing opening and grips the magnetic flux conductor,
  • Movement of the sensor unit in the housing opening between two boundaries formed by the magnetic flux conductor to determine a center position,
  • Movement of the sensor unit in the housing opening to the middle position.

Das Positionieren und Einpressen wird vorzugsweise von einem Roboter mit einem Greifarm vorgenommen, der die Sensoreinheit greift und dann die entsprechenden Verfahrensschritte ausführt. Der Roboter ist bevorzugt sensitiv ausgebildet. Der Greifarm greift bevorzugt die Sensoreinheit mit einer maximal zulässigen Kraft und presst diese mit einer vordefinierten Kraft in die Gehäuseöffnung ein. Die Mittenposition zwischen dem Magnetflussleiters entlang der Längsachse wird durch Erkennen der Grenzpositionen und Berechnen eines vordefinierten Abstands eingenommen.The positioning and pressing-in is preferably carried out by a robot with a gripper arm, which grips the sensor unit and then carries out the corresponding method steps. The robot is preferably designed to be sensitive. The gripping arm preferably grips the sensor unit with a maximum permissible force and presses it into the housing opening with a predefined force. The center position between the magnetic flux guide along the longitudinal axis is taken by detecting the limit positions and calculating a predefined distance.

Vorzugsweise umfasst die Sensoreinheit einen Magnetflussleiter und einen auf einer Leiterplatte angeordneten Magnetsensor.Preferably, the sensor unit comprises a magnetic flux conductor and a a printed circuit board arranged magnetic sensor.

Gemäß der beanspruchten Erfindung weist die Gehäuseöffnung eine erste Profilierung an wenigstens zwei Seitenflächen auf, wobei die wenigstens zwei Seitenflächen sich vorteilhafterweise gegenüber liegen und sich parallel zur Längsachse der Teilwellen erstrecken. Dabei ist es bevorzugt, wenn das erste Gehäuse der Sensoreinheit eine auf den wenigstens zwei Seitenflächen der Gehäuseöffnung korrespondierenden Außenflächen angeordnete zweite Profilierung aufweist.According to the claimed invention, the housing opening has a first profiling on at least two side surfaces, the at least two side surfaces advantageously lying opposite one another and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the partial shafts. It is preferred if the first housing of the sensor unit has a second profile arranged on the at least two side surfaces of the housing opening that correspond to the outer surfaces.

In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform sind die erste und zweite Profilierung bevorzugt um einen Winkel von etwa 90° gegeneinander verdreht angeordnet. vorzugsweise weisen die Profilierungen parallel angeordnete Rillen auf.In a preferred embodiment, the first and second profiles are preferably arranged rotated relative to one another by an angle of approximately 90°. preferably, the profiles have grooves arranged in parallel.

Bei dem Fügevorgang werden die Profilierungen aneinander geschoben, zur Ausbildung der kraftschlüssigen Verbindung. Dabei ist es vorteilhaft, wenn das Material, in das eine der beiden Profilierungen eingebracht wurde, eine höhere Zähigkeit aufweist, als das Material, in das die andere der beiden Profilierungen eingebracht wurde.During the joining process, the profiles are pushed together to form the non-positive connection. It is advantageous if the material into which one of the two profiles was introduced has a higher toughness than the material into which the other of the two profiles was introduced.

In einer Ausführungsform weist das erste Gehäuse der Sensoreinheit einen T-förmigen Bereich mit einem Hals und einem dazu senkrecht angeordneten Steg auf. Dabei ist es bevorzugt, wenn der Steg im eingepressten Zustand in Anlage mit einer Außenseite des zweiten Gehäuses der Drehmomentsensoreinheit liegt und die Einpresstiefe begrenzt. Der Hals des ersten Gehäuses der Sensoreinheit erweitert sich bevorzugt zum Steg hin, wobei in dem erweiterten Bereich die erste Profilierung auf den wenigstens zwei Seitenflächen der Gehäuseöffnung aufgebracht ist.In one embodiment, the first housing of the sensor unit has a T-shaped area with a neck and a web arranged perpendicular thereto. In this case, it is preferred if the web, in the pressed-in state, lies in contact with an outside of the second housing of the torque sensor unit and limits the press-in depth. The neck of the first housing of the sensor unit preferably widens towards the web, with the first profiling being applied to the at least two side surfaces of the housing opening in the widened area.

Die Drehmomentsensoranordnung ist vorzugsweise an einer Lenkwelle in einem Kraftfahrzeug angebracht und an zwei sich axial gegenüberliegenden Teilwellen der Lenkwelle befestigt und erfasst eine Drehwinkeländerung zwischen den Teilwellen.The torque sensor arrangement is preferably attached to a steering shaft in a motor vehicle and fastened to two axially opposite sub-shafts of the steering shaft and detects a change in the rotational angle between the sub-shafts.

Eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand der Zeichnungen näher erläutert. Gleiche bzw. funktionsgleiche Bauteile sind dabei in den Figuren mit denselben Bezugszeichen versehen. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1:
eine schematische Darstellung einer elektromechanischen Hilfskraftlenkung,
Fig. 2:
eine räumliche Ansicht einer elektromechanischen Hilfskraftlenkung mit einem Elektromotor, einem Drehmomentsensor und einem Lenkwinkelsensor,
Fig. 3:
eine Explosionsdarstellung des Drehmomentsensors,
Fig. 4:
einen Längsschnitt des Drehmomentsensors in einem ersten Montageschritt,
Fig. 5:
eine Ansicht des Drehmomentsensors mit positioniertem Magnetsensor,
Fig. 6,7:
Längsschnitte des Drehmomentsensors bei der Ausrichtung des Magnetsensors in Längsrichtung,
Fig. 8:
eine Ansicht des Drehmomentsensors mit ausgerichtetem Magnetsensor,
Fig. 9:
einen Längsschnitt des Drehmomentsensors in einem letzten Montageschritt,
Fig. 10:
eine räumliche Darstellung des auf der Lenkwelle angeordneten Drehmomentsensors,
Fig. 11:
einen Längsschnitt durch die Anordnung der Figur 10, sowie
Fig. 12 - 16:
schematische Darstellungen der Montage des Drehmomentsensors mittels eines Roboters.
A preferred embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Identical or functionally identical components are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures. Show it:
Figure 1:
a schematic representation of an electromechanical power steering,
Figure 2:
a spatial view of an electromechanical power steering with an electric motor, a torque sensor and a steering angle sensor,
Figure 3:
an exploded view of the torque sensor,
Figure 4:
a longitudinal section of the torque sensor in a first assembly step,
Figure 5:
a view of the torque sensor with the magnetic sensor positioned,
Figure 6.7:
Longitudinal sections of the torque sensor when aligning the magnetic sensor in the longitudinal direction,
Figure 8:
a view of the torque sensor with the magnetic sensor aligned,
Figure 9:
a longitudinal section of the torque sensor in a final assembly step,
Figure 10:
a spatial representation of the torque sensor arranged on the steering shaft,
Figure 11:
a longitudinal section through the arrangement of the figure 10 , as well as
Figures 12 - 16:
schematic representations of the assembly of the torque sensor using a robot.

In der Figur 1 ist eine elektromechanische Kraftfahrzeugservolenkung 1 mit einem Lenkrad 2, das mit einer Lenkwelle 3 drehfest gekoppelt ist, schematisch dargestellt. Über das Lenkrad 2 bringt der Fahrer ein entsprechendes Drehmoment als Lenkbefehl in die Lenkwelle 3 ein. Das Drehmoment wird dann über die Lenkwelle 3 auf ein Lenkritzel 4 übertragen. Das Ritzel 4 kämmt in bekannter Weise mit einem Zahnsegment 50 einer Zahnstange 5. Das Lenkritzel 4 bildet zusammen mit der Zahnstange 5 ein Lenkgetriebe. Die Zahnstange 5 ist in einem dritten Lenkungsgehäuse in Richtung ihrer Längsachse verschieblich gelagert. An ihrem freien Ende ist die Zahnstange 5 mit Spurstangen 6 über nicht dargestellte Kugelgelenke verbunden. Die Spurstangen 6 selbst sind in bekannter Weise über Achsschenkel mit je einem gelenkten Rad 7 des Kraftfahrzeugs verbunden. Eine Drehung des Lenkrades 2 führt über die Verbindung der Lenkwelle 3 und des Ritzels 4 zu einer Längsverschiebung der Zahnstange 5 und damit zu einer Verschwenkung der gelenkten Räder 7. Die gelenkten Räder 7 erfahren über eine Fahrbahn 70 eine Rückwirkung, die der Lenkbewegung entgegen wirkt. Zum Verschwenken der Räder 7 ist folglich eine Kraft erforderlich, die ein entsprechendes Drehmoment am Lenkrad 2 erforderlich macht. Ein Elektromotor 8, 18 mit einem Rotorlagensensor (RPS) einer Servoeinheit 9 ist vorgesehen, um dem Fahrer bei dieser Lenkbewegung zu unterstützen. Die Servoeinheit 9 kann dabei als Hilfskraftunterstützungseinrichtung 9, 10, 11 entweder mit einer Lenkwelle 3, dem Lenkritzel 4 oder der Zahnstange 5 gekoppelt sein. Die jeweilige Hilfskraftunterstützung 9,10,11 trägt ein Hilfskraftmoment in die Lenkwelle 3, das Lenkritzel 4 und/oder in die Zahnstange 5 ein, wodurch der Fahrer bei der Lenkarbeit unterstützt wird. Die drei unterschiedlichen in Figur 1 dargestellten Hilfskraftunterstützungen 9,10,11 zeigen alternative Positionen für deren Anordnung. Üblicherweise ist nur eine einzige der gezeigten Positionen mit einer Hilfskraftunterstützung belegt. Die Servoeinheit kann dabei als Überlagerungslenkung an der Lenksäule oder als Hilfskraftunterstützungseinrichtung an dem Ritzel 4 oder der Zahnstange 5 angeordnet sein.In the figure 1 is an electromechanical motor vehicle power steering 1 with a steering wheel 2, which is rotatably coupled to a steering shaft 3, shown schematically. The driver uses the steering wheel 2 to apply a corresponding torque as a steering command to the steering shaft 3 . The Torque is then transmitted to a steering pinion 4 via the steering shaft 3 . The pinion 4 meshes in a known manner with a toothed segment 50 of a rack 5. The steering pinion 4 together with the rack 5 forms a steering gear. The toothed rack 5 is mounted in a third steering housing so that it can be displaced in the direction of its longitudinal axis. At its free end, the rack 5 is connected to tie rods 6 via ball joints, not shown. The tie rods 6 themselves are connected in a known manner via steering knuckles to one steered wheel 7 of the motor vehicle. A rotation of the steering wheel 2 leads via the connection of the steering shaft 3 and the pinion 4 to a longitudinal displacement of the rack 5 and thus to a pivoting of the steered wheels 7. The steered wheels 7 experience a reaction via a roadway 70, which counteracts the steering movement. Consequently, a force is required to swivel the wheels 7, which makes a corresponding torque on the steering wheel 2 necessary. An electric motor 8, 18 with a rotor position sensor (RPS) of a servo unit 9 is provided to assist the driver in this steering movement. The servo unit 9 can be coupled as an auxiliary power assistance device 9, 10, 11 either with a steering shaft 3, the steering pinion 4 or the rack 5. The respective power assistance 9,10,11 carries an auxiliary power torque into the steering shaft 3, the steering pinion 4 and/or into the rack 5, whereby the driver is supported in the steering work. The three different in figure 1 power assistance shown 9,10,11 show alternative positions for their arrangement. Usually, only one of the positions shown is occupied by an auxiliary power support. The servo unit can be arranged as a superimposed steering on the steering column or as a power assistance device on the pinion 4 or the rack 5.

Figur 2 zeigt eine Drehmomentsensoreinheit 12, die Teil einer integralen Baueinheit 13 ist, die eine Lenkwinkelsensoreinheit 14 umfasst. Die Drehmomentsensoreinheit 12 erfasst die Verdrehung der oberen Lenkwelle 30 gegenüber der unteren Lenkwelle 31 als ein Maß des an der oberen Lenkwelle 30 manuell ausgeübten Drehmomentes. Die Lenkwinkelsensoreinheit 14 hingegen misst den aktuellen Lenkwinkel der unteren Lenkwelle 31. figure 2 12 shows a torque sensor unit 12 which is part of an integral structural unit 13 which includes a steering angle sensor unit 14 . The torque sensor unit 12 detects the twisting of the upper steering shaft 30 relative to the lower steering shaft 31 as a measure of the torque exerted manually on the upper steering shaft 30 . The steering angle sensor unit 14, on the other hand, measures the current steering angle of the lower steering shaft 31.

Die oberen Lenkwelle 30 und die unteren Lenkwelle 31 sind drehelastisch über einen, in Figur 4 gezeigten, Drehstab 32 miteinander gekoppelt. Die Verdrehung zwischen oberen Lenkwelle 30 und die unteren Lenkwelle 31 kann über einen Drehwinkelsensor ermittelt werden. Dieser Drehwinkelsensor wird auch als Drehmomentsensor bezeichnet. Die Drehmomentsensoreinheit 12 weist einen drehfest mit der oberen Lenkwelle 30 verbunden Ringmagneten (Permanentmagneten) 15 und einen Magnetflussleiter 16 auf. Eine dazugehörige Sensoreinheit 17 ist raumfest mit der Einheit des Elektromotors 18 verbunden. In Abhängigkeit des von der Drehmomentsensoreinheit 12 gemessen Drehmoments stellt die Servoeinheit 9 eine Lenkunterstützung für den Fahrer bereit.The upper steering shaft 30 and the lower steering shaft 31 are torsionally flexible via an in figure 4 shown, torsion bar 32 coupled together. The torsion between the upper steering shaft 30 and the lower steering shaft 31 can be determined via a rotation angle sensor. This angle of rotation sensor is also referred to as a torque sensor. The torque sensor unit 12 has a ring magnet (permanent magnet) 15 connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the upper steering shaft 30 and a magnetic flux conductor 16 . An associated sensor unit 17 is fixed in space to the unit of the electric motor 18 . Depending on the torque measured by the torque sensor unit 12, the servo unit 9 provides steering support for the driver.

In der Figur 2 ist weiterhin dargestellt, dass der Elektromotor oder ein Servomotor 18 mit einer nicht dargestellte Schneckenwelle über eine Motorwelle gekoppelt ist. Die Schneckenwelle steht die mit ihrer Schnecke in Eingriff mit einem Schneckenrad 180 steht, dass mit einem Ritzel oder, wie hier dargestellt, mit der unteren Lenkwelle 31 drehfest verbunden ist. Bei einem Betrieb des Elektromotors 18 wird die Schneckenwelle angetrieben und das Schneckenrad 180 dreht sich entsprechend um eine Drehunterstützung für die untere Lenkwelle 31 bereitzustellen.In the figure 2 is also shown that the electric motor or a servomotor 18 is coupled to a worm shaft, not shown, via a motor shaft. The worm shaft is in engagement with its worm with a worm wheel 180 that is non-rotatably connected to a pinion or, as shown here, to the lower steering shaft 31 . Upon operation of the electric motor 18 the worm shaft is driven and the worm wheel 180 rotates accordingly to provide rotational assistance to the lower steering shaft 31 .

In der Figur 3 ist eine einzelne Drehmomentsensoreinheit 12 mit Magnetsensor im Detail dargestellt. Die Sensoreinheit 17 weist ein erstes Gehäuse 19 auf und darin angeordnet einen Magnetflussleiter 20 und einen auf einer Leiterplatte 170 angeordneten Magnetsensor 171, wie in Figur 4 dargestellt. Die Flussleiter 16,20 dienen zur Konzentrierung des magnetischen Flusses an dem Magnetsensor. Der Magnetsensor 171 detektiert die Verdrehung der mit dem Magnetring 15 verbunden oberen Lenkwelle 30 gegenüber der mit dem Magnetflussleiter 16 verbundenen unteren Lenkwelle 31. Das erste Gehäuse 19 der Sensoreinheit 17 weist einen ersten Bereich 190 auf, in dem der Flussleiter 20, die Leiterplatte 170 und der Magnetsensor 171 untergebracht sind. Dieser erste Bereich 190 des ersten Gehäuses 19 ist im montierten Zustand von einem nicht dargestellten Gehäusedeckel verschlossen. In einem zweiten Bereich 191, der sich an den ersten Bereich 190 anschließt, ist das erste Gehäuse 19 T-förmig ausgestaltet. Zur Bildung der T-Form weist das erste Gehäuse 19 einen Hals 192 auf, der sich im montierten Zustand des Sensors in Radialrichtung der Längsachse 200 der Lenkwelle 3 erstreckt und an den sich ein querliegender Steg 193 anschließt. Der Hals 192 erweitert sich in Richtung des Steges 193, senkrecht zur Längsachse 200. Dazu weist der Hals 192 auf beiden Seiten einen Absatz 194 auf. Der querliegende Steg 193 ist plattenförmig. Er weist auf seiner dem Hals abgewandten Oberseite einen Vorsprung 195 in Form eines Randes auf, der auf dem Steg 193 angeordnete, nicht dargestellte Kontaktelemente umgibt. Der Vorsprung 195 bildet ein Steckelement, in das im montierten Zustand des Sensors ein Stecker eingesetzt wird, um den Sensor mit einer Datenleitung zu verbinden und an eine Stromversorgung anzuschließen.In the figure 3 a single torque sensor unit 12 with a magnetic sensor is shown in detail. The sensor unit 17 has a first housing 19 and a magnetic flux conductor 20 arranged therein and a magnetic sensor 171 arranged on a printed circuit board 170, as in FIG figure 4 shown. The flux conductors 16,20 are used to concentrate the magnetic flux on the magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor 171 detects the rotation of the upper steering shaft 30, which is connected to the magnetic ring 15, in relation to the lower steering shaft 31, which is connected to the magnetic flux conductor 16. The first housing 19 of the sensor unit 17 has a first area 190, in which the flux conductor 20, the printed circuit board 170 and the magnetic sensor 171 are housed. This first area 190 of the first housing 19 is closed by a housing cover, not shown, in the assembled state. In a second area 191, which adjoins the first area 190, the first housing 19 is T-shaped. This points to the formation of the T-shape The first housing 19 has a neck 192 which, when the sensor is installed, extends in the radial direction of the longitudinal axis 200 of the steering shaft 3 and to which a transverse web 193 is connected. The neck 192 widens in the direction of the web 193, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 200. For this purpose, the neck 192 has a step 194 on both sides. The transverse web 193 is plate-shaped. On its upper side facing away from the neck, it has a projection 195 in the form of an edge, which surrounds contact elements (not shown) arranged on the web 193 . The projection 195 forms a plug-in element, into which a plug is inserted when the sensor is installed, in order to connect the sensor to a data line and to a power supply.

Das erste Gehäuse 19 der Sensoreinheit 17 wird bei der Montage mittels eines Roboters in ein zweites Gehäuse 21 der Drehmomentsensoreinheit 12 eingesetzt. Das zweite Gehäuse 21 der Drehmomentsensoreinheit umgibt im montierten Zustand den Ringmagneten 15, den Flussleiter 16 und die Sensoreinheit 17. Das zweite Gehäuse 21 der Drehmomentsensoreinheit weist eine als Boden fungierende Grundfläche 210 auf, die von einem Rand 211 umfangseitig umgeben ist. Das zweite Gehäuse 21 wird von einem nicht dargestellten Gehäusedeckel abgedeckt. Das zweite Gehäuse 21 weist eine einseitig offene Gehäuseöffnung 212 im Rand 211 auf, in die die Sensoreinheit 17 eingesetzt wird. Zur Positionierung der Sensoreinheit 17 in der Gehäuseöffnung 212 weist die Gehäuseöffnung eine wellenförmige Profilierung 22 in Form von parallel angeordneten Rillen (Riffelung) an den Seitenflächen 23, die sich parallel zur Längsachse 200 der Lenkwelle erstrecken, auf. Die Rillen sind dabei in etwa senkrecht zur Längsachse 200 (Querriffelung) orientiert. Als Gegenstück ist auf den in Eingriff damit zubringenden Seiten 24 des Gehäusehalses 192 der Sensoreinheit 17 ebenfalls eine wellenförmige Profilierung 25 oberhalb der Absätze 194 vorgesehen, deren Rillen sich allerdings in Längsrichtung parallel zur Längsachse (Längsriffelung) erstrecken. Die beiden Profilierungen 22,25 sind somit bevorzugt um einen Winkel von etwa 90° gegeneinander verdreht angeordnet. Bei der Montage der Sensoreinheit 17 in dem zweiten Gehäuse 21 des Drehmomentsensors wird die Sensoreinheit 17 in die Gehäuseöffnung 212 gepresst. Vorzugsweise weist das Material eines mit Profilierung versehenden Seitenpaares 23,24 eine höhere Zähigkeit als das Material des anderen Seitenpaares 23,24 auf. Während des Verpressens wird dann die Riffelung des Seitenpaares, das aus einem Material mit höherer Zähigkeit hergestellt ist, in die überlappende Riffelung des anderen Seitenpaares kraftschlüssig eingepresst. Im montierten Zustand liegt die Unterseite des Stegs 193 des ersten Gehäuses 19der Sensoreinheit 17 auf der Außenseite des Randes 211 des zweiten Gehäuses 21 des Drehmomentsensors auf. Der Hals 192 des ersten Gehäuses 19 der Sensoreinheit 17 durchsetzt dabei die Gehäuseöffnung 212.The first housing 19 of the sensor unit 17 is inserted into a second housing 21 of the torque sensor unit 12 during assembly by means of a robot. The second housing 21 of the torque sensor unit encloses the ring magnet 15, the flux conductor 16 and the sensor unit 17 in the installed state. The second housing 21 is covered by a housing cover, not shown. The second housing 21 has a housing opening 212 open on one side in the edge 211, into which the sensor unit 17 is inserted. To position the sensor unit 17 in the housing opening 212, the housing opening has a wavy profile 22 in the form of parallel grooves (ribbing) on the side surfaces 23, which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 200 of the steering shaft. The grooves are oriented approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 200 (transverse corrugation). As a counterpart, a wavy profile 25 is also provided above the shoulders 194 on the sides 24 of the housing neck 192 of the sensor unit 17 to be brought into engagement therewith, the grooves of which, however, extend in the longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (longitudinal corrugation). The two profiles 22,25 are thus preferably arranged rotated relative to one another by an angle of approximately 90°. During assembly of the sensor unit 17 in the second housing 21 of the torque sensor, the sensor unit 17 is pressed into the housing opening 212 . Preferably, the material has a profiled pair of sides 23,24 has a higher toughness than the material of the other pair of sides 23,24. During pressing, the corrugation of the pair of sides, which is made of a material with higher toughness, is then pressed in a non-positive manner into the overlapping corrugation of the other pair of sides. In the installed state, the underside of the web 193 of the first housing 19 of the sensor unit 17 rests on the outside of the edge 211 of the second housing 21 of the torque sensor. The neck 192 of the first housing 19 of the sensor unit 17 passes through the housing opening 212.

Die Sensoreinheit 17 wird von einem sensitiven Roboter 27 mit einer Pressachse ausgerichtet und in dem zweiten Gehäuse 21 des Drehmomentsensors positioniert.The sensor unit 17 is aligned with a press axis by a sensitive robot 27 and positioned in the second housing 21 of the torque sensor.

In den Figuren 4 bis 9 ist das Montageverfahren dargestellt. In einem ersten Montageschritt (Figur 4) wird die Sensoreinheit 17 in einem vordefinierten Abstand zur Lenkwelle 3 ausgerichtet und entlang der Längsachse 200 in die Gehäuseöffnung 212 des zweiten Gehäuses 21 des Drehmomentsensors eingebracht. Die Pfeile deuten die Bewegungsrichtung an. Die Sensoreinheit 17 durchsetzt dabei mit ihrem Hals 192 unterhalb des Absatzes 194 die Gehäuseöffnung 212. Der Hals 192 ist dabei unterhalb des Absatzes 194 im Durchmesser kleiner als die Gehäuseöffnung 212, so dass die Sensoreinheit 17 in diesem ersten Schritt das zweite Gehäuse 21 des Drehmomentsensors nicht berührt.In the Figures 4 to 9 the assembly procedure is shown. In a first assembly step ( figure 4 ) the sensor unit 17 is aligned at a predefined distance from the steering shaft 3 and introduced along the longitudinal axis 200 into the housing opening 212 of the second housing 21 of the torque sensor. The arrows indicate the direction of movement. Sensor unit 17 penetrates housing opening 212 with its neck 192 below shoulder 194. Below shoulder 194, neck 192 has a smaller diameter than housing opening 212, so that sensor unit 17 does not penetrate second housing 21 of the torque sensor in this first step touched.

Wie in Figur 5 dargestellt ist, wird die Sensoreinheit 17 in einem zweiten Montageschritt an das zweite Gehäuse 21 des Drehmomentsensors mit einer vordefinierten Kraft gedrückt, so dass die Sensoreinheit 17 am Hals 192 im Bereich des Absatzes 194 in Anlage mit dem Rand 211 des zweiten Gehäuses 21 des Drehmomentsensors 12 kommt. Das erste Gehäuse 19 der Sensoreinheit 17 ist dabei so ausgestaltet, dass der Magnetflussleiter 20 der Sensoreinheit 17 zwischen den mit der unteren Lenkwelle 31 verbundenen Magnetflussleiter 16 greift. Der Magnetflussleiter 20 der Sensoreinheit 17 ist dabei im Profil entlang der Längsachse 200 H-Förmig ausgestaltet, wobei die beiden Querelemente zwischen die Ringe des im Profil entlang der Längsachse U-Förmig ausgestalteten Magnetflussleiter 16 greifen. Dieser Zustand ist z.B. in Figur 6 dargestellt.As in figure 5 is shown, in a second assembly step, the sensor unit 17 is pressed against the second housing 21 of the torque sensor with a predefined force, so that the sensor unit 17 on the neck 192 in the region of the step 194 is in contact with the edge 211 of the second housing 21 of the torque sensor 12 comes. The first housing 19 of the sensor unit 17 is designed in such a way that the magnetic flux conductor 20 of the sensor unit 17 engages between the magnetic flux conductor 16 connected to the lower steering shaft 31 . The magnetic flux conductor 20 of the sensor unit 17 is H-shaped in profile along the longitudinal axis 200, with the two transverse elements between the rings of the profile along the longitudinal axis Magnetic flux conductor 16 designed in a U-shape. This state is e.g. in figure 6 shown.

In einem weiteren Montageschritt wird die Sensoreinheit 17, wie in den Figuren 6 und 7 in einem Längsschnitt dargestellt, entlang der Längsachse 200 verschoben und zwar derart, dass die Sensoreinheit 17 mittig zu dem mit der unteren Lenkwelle 31 verbundenen Magnetflussleiter 16 angeordnet ist. Dazu wird die Sensoreinheit 17 als erstes in die beiden, in den Figuren 6 und 7 dargestellten Endpositionen verfahren, in denen jeweils eine der Außenseiten des Magnetflussleiters 20 der Sensoreinheit an die Innenseite des mit der unteren Lenkwelle 31 verbundenen Magnetflussleiters 16 in Anlage gebracht wird und danach eine anhand der Grenzpositionen ermittelte Mittenposition eingenommen wird. Daraufhin wird die Sensoreinheit 17 in die Gehäuseöffnung 212 eingepresst, bis die Unterseite des Steges 193 in Anlage mit der Außenseite des Randes 211 des zweiten Gehäuses 21 des Drehmomentsensors kommt. Dieser Montagezustand ist in den Figuren 8 und 9 gezeigt. Die Magnetflussleiter 16,20 sind so zueinander ausgerichtet, dass der Magnetfeldsensor 26 mittig zu dem Ringmagneten 15 angeordnet ist. Die Magnetflussleiter 16,20 überlappen sich im eingepressten Zustand in Radialrichtung deutlich, so dass die Sensoreinheit 17 die Bewegung des Ringmagnetes 15 gegenüber dem Magnetflussleiter 16 detektieren kann.In a further assembly step, the sensor unit 17, as in the Figures 6 and 7 shown in a longitudinal section, displaced along the longitudinal axis 200 in such a way that the sensor unit 17 is arranged centrally to the magnetic flux conductor 16 connected to the lower steering shaft 31 . For this purpose, the sensor unit 17 is first in the two, in the Figures 6 and 7 end positions shown, in each of which one of the outer sides of the magnetic flux conductor 20 of the sensor unit is brought into contact with the inner side of the magnetic flux conductor 16 connected to the lower steering shaft 31 and then a middle position determined on the basis of the limit positions is assumed. The sensor unit 17 is then pressed into the housing opening 212 until the underside of the web 193 comes into contact with the outside of the edge 211 of the second housing 21 of the torque sensor. This assembly state is in the Figures 8 and 9 shown. The magnetic flux conductors 16, 20 are aligned with one another in such a way that the magnetic field sensor 26 is arranged in the center of the ring magnet 15. The magnetic flux conductors 16, 20 clearly overlap in the radial direction when pressed in, so that the sensor unit 17 can detect the movement of the ring magnet 15 relative to the magnetic flux conductor 16.

In der Figur 10 ist die auf der Lenkwelle 3 angeordnete Drehmomentsensoreinheit 12 mit montierter Sensoreinheit 17 dargestellt. Figur 11 zeigt einen entsprechenden Längsschnitt durch die Anordnung.In the figure 10 the torque sensor unit 12 arranged on the steering shaft 3 is shown with the sensor unit 17 mounted. figure 11 shows a corresponding longitudinal section through the arrangement.

Die zuvor beschriebene Montage der Drehmomentsensoreinheit 12 mittels Roboter 27 ist in den Figuren 12 bis 16 dargestellt.The assembly of the torque sensor unit 12 using a robot 27 as described above is shown in FIGS Figures 12 to 16 shown.

Der Roboter 27 weist einen mehrachsigen Manipulator auf, welcher beispielsweise in Form eines mehrachsigen Gelenkarmrotbors ausgebildet sein kann. Die Bewegung der einzelnen Achsen des Manipulators kann dabei durch eine gezielte Regelung von Antrieben erfolgen, welche mit den einzelnen Komponenten des Manipulators verbunden sind. Vorzugsweise ist der Roboter sensitiv und hat wenigstens eine Sensorvorrichtung integriert, die dazu eingerichtet ist, Kräfte und Wege zu messen. Der mehrachsige Manipulator hat eine Pressachse 28. Der Roboter 27 weist einen Greifarm 29 auf, der um eine erste Schwenkachse verschenkbar ist. Wie in Figur 12 dargestellt ist, greift der Greifarm 29 die Sensoreinheit 17 und positioniert diese in der Gehäuseöffnung des zweiten Gehäuses 21 der Drehmomentsensoreinheit mit einer maximal zulässigen Kraft Flim (Figur 13). Die Mittenposition zwischen dem nicht dargestellten Magnetflussleiters entlang der Längsachse wird durch Erkennen der Grenzpositionen und Berechnen eines vordefinierten Abstands xset eingenommen (Figur 14).The robot 27 has a multi-axis manipulator, which can be designed, for example, in the form of a multi-axis articulated arm rotor. The movement of the individual axes of the manipulator can take place through targeted control of drives which are connected to the individual components of the manipulator. The robot is preferably sensitive and has at least one integrated sensor device that is set up to measure forces and displacements. The multi-axis manipulator has a pressing axis 28. The robot 27 has a gripper arm 29 which can be pivoted about a first pivot axis. As in figure 12 is shown, the gripping arm 29 grips the sensor unit 17 and positions it in the housing opening of the second housing 21 of the torque sensor unit with a maximum permissible force F lim ( figure 13 ). The center position between the not shown magnetic flux guide along the longitudinal axis is taken by detecting the limit positions and calculating a predefined distance x set ( figure 14 ).

In den Figuren 15 und 16 ist dargestellt, wie die Pressachse des Roboters 28 die Sensoreinheit 17 greift und in das zweite Gehäuse 21 mit einer vordefinierten Kraft Fu einpresst.In the Figures 15 and 16 shows how the pressing axis of the robot 28 grips the sensor unit 17 and presses it into the second housing 21 with a predefined force F u .

Die Verwendung des Roboters erlaubt den Fügeprozess vollkommen zu automatisieren, wodurch dieser besonders kostengünstig erfolgen kann.The use of the robot allows the joining process to be fully automated, which means that it can be carried out particularly cost-effectively.

Claims (15)

  1. A torque sensor unit (12) comprising:
    - a ring magnet (15) which can be connected to a first partial shaft (30) for conjoint rotation and a magnetic flux conductor (16) which can be connected to a second partial shaft (31),
    - a sensor unit (17) having a first housing (19), wherein the sensor unit (17) detects a change in rotational angle between the partial shafts (30, 31),
    - a second housing (21), which surrounds the ring magnet (15) and the magnetic flux conductor (16) and is fixedly connected to the first housing (19) of the sensor unit (17), characterized in that the second housing (21) of the torque sensor unit has a housing opening (212) into which the first housing (19) of the sensor unit (17) is pressed to form a frictional connection, wherein the housing opening (212) has a first profile (22) on at least two side faces (23).
  2. The torque sensor unit as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the sensor unit (17) comprises a magnetic flux conductor (20) and a magnetic sensor (171) arranged on a printed circuit board (170).
  3. The torque sensor unit as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the at least two side faces (23) are located opposite each other and extend parallel to the longitudinal axis (200) of the partial shafts (30, 31).
  4. The torque sensor unit as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first housing (19) of the sensor unit (17) has a second profile (25) arranged on outer faces (24) corresponding to the at least two side faces (23) of the housing opening (212).
  5. The torque sensor unit as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the first and second profile (22, 25) are rotated preferably by an angle of about 90° relative to each other.
  6. The torque sensor unit as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, characterized in that the profiles (22, 25) have grooves arranged in parallel.
  7. The torque sensor unit as claimed in one of the preceding claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the material into which one of the two profiles (22, 25) has been introduced has a higher ductility than the material into which the other of the two profiles (22, 25) has been introduced.
  8. The torque sensor unit as claimed in one of the preceding claims 4 to 7, characterized in that when they are pressed in, the profiles (22, 25) interengage to form the frictional connection.
  9. The torque sensor unit as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first housing (19) of the sensor unit (17) has a T-shaped region (191) with a neck (192) and a crosspiece (193) arranged perpendicular thereto.
  10. The torque sensor unit as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the crosspiece (193) is in contact with an outer side of the second housing (21) of the torque sensor unit (12) when pressed in and delimits the pressing-in depth.
  11. The torque sensor unit as claimed in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the neck (192) of the first housing (19) of the sensor unit (17) widens towards the crosspiece (193), and the second profile (25) is applied to the at least two side faces (23) of the housing opening (212) in the widened region.
  12. An electromechanical steering system for a motor vehicle comprising a steering pinion (4) which is connected to a first partial shaft (31) and which meshes with a rack (5) for steering wheels (7), wherein the rack is mounted in a third housing and can be displaced along a longitudinal axis, at least one electric motor (8) for steering force assistance, a torque sensor unit (12) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, which is arranged between a second partial shaft (30) connected to the steering wheel and the first partial shaft (31) and detects a torque introduced into the steering wheel by the driver.
  13. A method for assembling a torque sensor unit (12) as claimed in one of the preceding claims 1 to 11 for an electromechanical power steering system, comprising:
    - a ring magnet (15) connected to a first partial shaft (30) for conjoint rotation and a magnetic flux conductor (16) connected to a second partial shaft (31), wherein the two axially opposite partial shafts (30, 31) are connected to each other via a torsion bar,
    - a sensor unit (17) having a first housing (19), wherein the sensor unit (17) detects a change in rotational angle between the partial shafts (30, 31),
    - a second housing (21), which surrounds the ring magnet (15) and the magnetic flux conductor (16), wherein the following steps are provided:
    - positioning the sensor unit (17) in a housing opening (212) of the second housing (21) of the torque sensor unit (12),
    - pressing the sensor unit (17) into the housing opening (212) to form a frictional connection.
  14. The method as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the positioning comprises the following steps:
    - introducing the sensor unit (17) into the housing opening (212),
    - lowering the sensor unit (17) into the housing opening (212) until the sensor unit (17) lies against the housing opening (212) and reaches into the magnetic flux conductor (16),
    - moving the sensor unit (17) in the housing opening (212) between two limits formed by the magnetic flux conductor (16) to determine a central position,
    - moving the sensor unit (17) in the housing opening (212) to the central position.
  15. The method as claimed in claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the torque sensor assembly (12) is attached to a steering shaft (3) in a motor vehicle and fixed to two axially opposite partial shafts (30, 31) of the steering shaft and detects a change in rotational angle between the partial shafts (30, 31).
EP19726989.7A 2018-05-29 2019-05-27 Torque sensor unit with pressed-in sensor unit Active EP3803304B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102018112840.1A DE102018112840A1 (en) 2018-05-29 2018-05-29 Torque sensor unit with pressed sensor unit
PCT/EP2019/063594 WO2019228952A1 (en) 2018-05-29 2019-05-27 Torque sensor unit with pressed-in sensor unit

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3803304A1 EP3803304A1 (en) 2021-04-14
EP3803304B1 true EP3803304B1 (en) 2023-05-10

Family

ID=66668935

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19726989.7A Active EP3803304B1 (en) 2018-05-29 2019-05-27 Torque sensor unit with pressed-in sensor unit

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US12085469B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3803304B1 (en)
CN (1) CN112166311A (en)
DE (1) DE102018112840A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2019228952A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR102106294B1 (en) * 2018-09-21 2020-05-04 주식회사 만도 Vehicle Steering Apparatus
DE102018131712A1 (en) * 2018-12-11 2020-06-18 Thyssenkrupp Ag Magnetic shielding of a torque sensor for an electromechanical power steering system of a motor vehicle

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1584908A2 (en) * 2004-04-08 2005-10-12 Favess Co. Ltd. Torque detecting apparatus and manufacturing method thereof

Family Cites Families (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2824910B1 (en) * 2001-05-18 2005-05-13 Denso Corp TORQUE SENSOR AND POWER ASSISTED STEERING SYSTEM EMPLOYING THIS SENSOR
JP2003329523A (en) * 2002-03-07 2003-11-19 Denso Corp Torque sensor
DE102004055124B4 (en) * 2004-11-10 2017-06-01 Valeo Schalter Und Sensoren Gmbh torque sensor
JP4877715B2 (en) * 2005-09-28 2012-02-15 株式会社ジェイテクト Torque detection device and electric power steering device using the same
JP4794262B2 (en) * 2005-09-30 2011-10-19 株式会社ジェイテクト Torque detection device and electric power steering device using the same
DE102005053180A1 (en) * 2005-11-03 2007-05-10 Valeo Schalter Und Sensoren Gmbh Device for arrangement in a steering system of a motor vehicle
JP5168455B2 (en) 2007-05-24 2013-03-21 株式会社ジェイテクト Motor and electric power steering apparatus
DE102007043502A1 (en) 2007-09-12 2009-04-02 Valeo Schalter Und Sensoren Gmbh Flux conductor element for use in torque or rotational angle sensor arrangement of motor vehicle, has bendable latches provided for magnetic field sensor, and geometrical contour that is cut into number of minimum cuts of sheet metal
JP6056458B2 (en) * 2012-12-25 2017-01-11 株式会社ジェイテクト Torque detection device and steering device including the same
DE102013006567A1 (en) 2013-04-05 2014-10-09 Valeo Schalter Und Sensoren Gmbh Method for producing a magnet unit for a sensor device of a motor vehicle, magnet unit, sensor device and motor vehicle
JP6209476B2 (en) 2014-03-27 2017-10-04 株式会社ショーワ Sensor unit, torque detection device, and electric power steering device
DE102015000928B3 (en) 2015-01-28 2016-07-21 Thyssenkrupp Ag Device for introducing an auxiliary torque in a steering shaft of an electromechanical power steering system
DE102015013965B4 (en) 2015-10-29 2022-02-03 Thyssenkrupp Ag Angle and torque measuring device
DE102016104275A1 (en) * 2016-03-09 2017-09-14 Valeo Schalter Und Sensoren Gmbh A method for producing a torque sensor device for a motor vehicle by ultrasonic welding, torque sensor device, steering system and motor vehicle
DE102017000850A1 (en) 2017-01-31 2018-08-02 Thyssenkrupp Ag Sensor device for detecting the rotational position of a rotating shaft with ultrasonically welded transmitter magnet
DE102017116454A1 (en) * 2017-07-21 2019-01-24 Valeo Schalter Und Sensoren Gmbh sensor device

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1584908A2 (en) * 2004-04-08 2005-10-12 Favess Co. Ltd. Torque detecting apparatus and manufacturing method thereof

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20210199520A1 (en) 2021-07-01
DE102018112840A1 (en) 2019-12-05
CN112166311A (en) 2021-01-01
EP3803304A1 (en) 2021-04-14
US12085469B2 (en) 2024-09-10
WO2019228952A1 (en) 2019-12-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1353150B1 (en) Angle detector
EP2100113A1 (en) Sensor arrangement for measuring a torque
EP3148860B1 (en) Steering shaft for a motor vehicle steering system
EP3803304B1 (en) Torque sensor unit with pressed-in sensor unit
DE3939343A1 (en) ELECTRIC POWER STEERING DEVICE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES
WO2018108470A1 (en) Sensor device and method for assembling a sensor device
EP3038880B1 (en) Steering shaft for a motor vehicle steering system
EP3867084B1 (en) Chassis component for a wheel suspension and method for producing a chassis component
DE602004013467T2 (en) Torque sensor and electric steering device equipped therewith
DE19916958A1 (en) Drive control assembly for vehicle, has guide rail of electronic control unit coupled to counter guide such that counter guide and guide rail extends along width of electronic control unit
DE102016112234A1 (en) HOLDING DEVICE FOR AN ECCENTRIC ADJUSTING DEVICE
WO2019228965A1 (en) Sensor device for capturing the rotational position of a rotating shaft having an integrally moulded encoder magnet
DE10147904B4 (en) torque sensor
EP1393035B1 (en) Method for attaching a torque measuring device
DE10222761A1 (en) Motor vehicle rack steering with position detection, has part of rack position sensor on rack side in or on radial protrusion that interacts with stroke limiting stop fixed in steering housing
DE19782252B3 (en) Power steering
WO2023025378A1 (en) Sensor apparatus for a motor vehicle steering system, steering system for a motor vehicle and method for producing a sensor apparatus
EP3645373B1 (en) Method for mounting a coupling member of a motor vehicle steering mechanism using ultrasonic welding
DE10224344A1 (en) Manufacture of assembly of components for electric power-assisted steering, by pre-positioning and compressing input shaft with torsion bar, before setting electrical center
DE19803195A1 (en) Auxiliary power fitting
DE102005014808B4 (en) measuring device
EP2198255B1 (en) Sensor mounting and method for fastening a torque or rotational angle arrangement
WO2023025380A1 (en) Sensor device for a motor vehicle steering system, steering system for a motor vehicle and method for producing a sensor device
WO2021165172A1 (en) Electromechanical power steering system having a single-piece sensor shaft and a magnetoelastic torque sensor
WO2023025379A1 (en) Sensor device for a motor vehicle steering system, steering system for a motor vehicle, and method for producing a sensor device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20210111

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
RAP3 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: THYSSENKRUPP AG

Owner name: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20221017

GRAJ Information related to disapproval of communication of intention to grant by the applicant or resumption of examination proceedings by the epo deleted

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTC Intention to grant announced (deleted)
INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20230220

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: SZABO, PETER

Inventor name: MUENSTER, ANDREAS

Inventor name: KNOLL, PETER

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1567118

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20230515

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502019007701

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R084

Ref document number: 502019007701

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20230510

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230510

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230911

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230810

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230510

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230510

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230510

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230510

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230510

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230510

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230910

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230510

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230811

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230510

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230510

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20230531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230510

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230510

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230510

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230527

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230531

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230510

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230510

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230510

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230531

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502019007701

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230510

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230510

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230527

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20240213

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230527

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230510

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230510

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20230510

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230531

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20240521

Year of fee payment: 6

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240521

Year of fee payment: 6

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20240527

Year of fee payment: 6